The Wild Splendor of Africa

Embark on a spectacular journey that blends wildlife encounters with ancient culture, stunning natural beauty, and captivating cities

Whether it’s the echo of lion calls across the savanna, the silent awe of a sunrise over the grasslands, or one-of-a-kind cultural experiences, an African adventure leaves travelers with a renewed sense of wonder for the wild world. But it’s not only the thrill of safari that makes Africa so enchanting. This all-encompassing destination is an adventure no matter where you are, from its vibrant cities filled with soul to its most remote corners.

For many, the main attraction is a chance to spot the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinoceroses – in their natural habitat. Gaze in wonder as the wildlife comes within feet of your safari vehicle, holding your breath during these unrivaled experiences that can only be described as once in a lifetime.

The broader appeal of this destination lies in the exploration of wild lands, the ability to fully immerse in unique experiences, and the opportunity to stay in the heart of the savanna. Luxury meets authenticity at intimate camps, lodges, and hotels in Kenya and South Africa, allowing travelers to form a deeper, more personal connection to the beating heart of the African wilderness.

As the birthplace of the modern safari and the so-called “Cradle of Humanity,” Kenya is a prime location for rugged adventures. But that doesn’t mean you have to skip out on luxury. Mahali Mzuri – part of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition portfolio – lives up to its name, which translates to “beautiful place” in Swahili. Set within Olare Motorogi Conservancy in the renowned Maasai Mara reserve, staying at this lavish camp puts you right in the path of the Great Migration, during which you’ll encounter hordes of wildlife as they cross rivers from July through October (though you may want to visit earlier in the dry season, from May through July, to find the Big Five gathering around watering holes). Explore with twice-daily game drives, immersive bush walks, community tours showcasing a local school and bead studio, and sunrise hot-air balloon rides. When you’re not out and about, learn about the Maasai lifestyle. Each of the 12 elegantly refreshed safari tents welcomes travelers with decor by East African artists and a sprawling deck overlooking the valley beyond.

Finch Hattons Luxury Safari Camp, another boutique safari experience in Kenya, is situated in the immaculate Tsavo National Park, the largest and oldest park in the country. Its 17 tented suites overlook Tsavo’s natural springs, frequented by giant hippopotamuses, perfect for wildlife viewing right on the premises. Also a Virgin Limited Edition property, the camp offers many of the same amenities as Mahali Mzuri as well as outings to birdwatching haven Lake Jipe, unprecedented stargazing, and personalized, family-oriented safaris.

You’re likely to start and end your visit to Kenya in the colorful city of Nairobi. Enjoy an introduction to Africa at Glee Hotel, where stylish communal spaces provide modernity without compromising the sense of adventure. Discover a robust selection of half-day excursions that will whisk travelers to Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre conservation park, and local bomas with traditional Kenyan cultural performances, or escape for a full day to Lake Magadi, Hell’s Gate National Park, Mount Longonot, or the Ngong Hills in the Great Rift Valley. For a touch of the dramatic, observe animals from above with helicopter tours over the vast plains.

While world-class safaris are prominent in South Africa, too, visitors to this destination can also explore the dynamic cities, historic sights, and award-winning wineries that make this area so all-encompassing.

Ulusaba puts travelers in the heart of Africa at the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve. While on the reserve, enjoy memorable experiences ranging from early-morning and late-afternoon game drives, sundowner cocktails in the bush, and nature walks to observe some of South Africa’s smaller creatures. Volunteer opportunities via the Pride ’n Purpose nonprofit present a unique way to get involved and make a difference helping disadvantaged communities living adjacent to the reserve during your travels. By night, get a restful sleep in the hilltop Rock Lodge, the secluded Cliff Lodge, or treehouse-style suites at the riverside Safari Lodge.

Last Word has two rustic getaways in South Africa. Last Word Madikwe, a luxurious bush camp, prides itself on exceptional attention to detail. A highlight of this property is the underground hide, a 24-hour lounge spot overlooking a nearby watering hole frequented by giraffes, lions, elephants, buffalo, jackals, zebras, and more. The main lodge offers intimacy with just six guestrooms; guests who book the lodge’s private villa add access to a personal game drive vehicle with a dedicated ranger and tracker.

In Mpumalanga, discover Last Word Kitara, which sits alongside the unfenced border of Kruger National Park and the Klaserie River. View free-roaming wildlife from an inviting deck, the sparkling infinity pool, or the comfort of your own private suite. This secluded safari lodge offers a relaxed way of exploring Africa, with only six guestrooms and an easily customized itinerary consisting of daily game drives, world-class birdwatching, scenic helicopter rides over a nearby nature reserve, guided treks, and traditional boma dinners.

For those more drawn to lush vineyards than wildlife sightings, opt for a stay at Mont Rochelle. This enchanting boutique retreat in Franschhoek keeps relaxation at the forefront, boasting a spa, spacious manor for group stays, and gourmet meals paired with wine from the hotel’s private vineyard, all in an iconic mountain setting. Explore the area by bicycle, play a tennis match, or relax above the vines in a hot-air balloon with views that stretch for miles. Visit Mont Rochelle before or after an immersive safari camp experience or opt for day trips with an outside tour group to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Another charming escape awaits in Cape Town, surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes perfect for a reset. At Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa, modern guestrooms, lofts, and suites offer a tranquil place to lay your head. Here, you can enjoy a luxury spa, wine tastings, and whale-watching excursions.

From adrenaline-fueled adventure and wildlife viewing to cultural engagement, breathtaking scenery, and unparalleled camps and lodges, Africa delivers thrilling experiences like nowhere else in the world. Expand your mind and your imagination as you travel across these majestic landscapes. After all, adventure is just around the corner.

For a more private safari experience, consider one of the many andBeyond camps and lodges scattered throughout Africa. Part of Beyond Green, these properties aim to protect the natural environment while also educating travelers on the importance of intentional, sustainable travel, allowing you to make a difference without lifting a finger.

Whether visiting Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, or Tanzania, stay with andBeyond to enjoy a more intimate journey, where you can tailor the experience to your interests. Those hoping to spot wildlife from the comfort of camp should choose the Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge, Kirkman’s Kamp, Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge, or Tengile River Lodge, all located near water to attract animals in the dry season. For relaxation in one-of-a-kind settings, opt for the treehouse-inspired Lake Manyara Tree Lodge or the Phinda Rock Lodge, which is built into a South African cliffside. Beach retreats in Africa’s wild lands also abound, in places like Benguerra Island or Mnemba Island, while nomadic travelers might plan to stay at one of the Under Canvas camps, as they move around to different locales.

Work closely with the camps and lodges to create your perfect itinerary, with choices ranging from photographic safaris to nature walks in the bush, family-friendly excursions, scenic hot-air balloon or helicopter rides, and nighttime expeditions, perfect for stargazing. At some spots, such as Phinda Vlei Lodge, Ngala Tented Camp, and Phinda Mountain Lodge, you can even sleep outside under the stars. Up-close animal encounters may also be available, allowing travelers to assist in the capture of rhinos to notch their ears for research, watch an expert complete a health check on a pangolin, or witness an elephant getting set up with radio collaring.